Gov. Sam Brownback has told U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder a new Kansas gun law aimed at reining in the federal government has broad support in the state.

Brownback sent a letter Thursday to Holder defending the law, which took effect last week.

He said Kansans hold dear their right to bear arms.

It declares that the federal government has no authority to regulate guns, ammunition and accessories manufactured, sold and kept only in Kansas. The law also makes it a felony for a federal agent to enforce any law, regulation, order or treaty covering those items.

In a letter to Brownback last week, Holder said the law is unconstitutional and that the federal government is willing to go to court over the issue.